Sacrilegious Lesbian + Homosexual Parade

description

On St Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish, but some are more Irish than others. If you're gay or lesbian, please don't apply to walk in the 5th Avenue parade in New York.

I am writing a one-man show about the St Pat’s For All Parade in Queens, New York. I have been a part of the parade for 14 of its 15-year existence. I believe it is a rich story with a fantastic cast of characters. This is the only all-inclusive St Patrick’s Day parade in New York that does not discriminate against LGBT groups. More than that, it is a celebration of inclusiveness and a beacon of hope of what it could mean to be Irish; "Cherishing All the Children of the Nation Equally."

In 2014, Mayor Bill De Blasio and Irish drag artist Panti Bliss were among the guests, as the parade celebrated 15 years of inclusion and welcome. “If they’re not kind of gay, they’re not really a parade. A heterosexual parade seems to me an organized walk in the traffic lane.." Panti 2014

The parade’s journey over the past 15 years through the most ethnically diverse neighbourhood in the world has been a colourful one. From initially being viewed as a protest parade, it has come to be regarded as a cherished community event for all the family.

Along with live performance, I will use projection and the fantastic visual records that exist of the parade, from Dublin’s Panti Bliss in her Mary Robinson outfit with the New York Mayor, to Hispanic and African American kids from the Bronx in their Irish dancing costumes. Raymond Keane (Barabbas) will direct.

While the show has an important and hopefully moving underlying message, it should also be a lot of fun. The theme of sustained resistance through celebration is a timely one, given that Ireland is on the verge of voting for marriage equality in 2015. The name of the show ‘A Sacrilegious Lesbian and Homosexual Parade’ comes from banners held by right wing protestors at the event each year.

This is my third one man show about everyday struggles and heroes. I will be performing at the New Theatre as part of the Tiger Dublin Fringe, September 9-13, 2014 and in New York, February/March 2015.

rewards

Fund €10+

Your name in the programme and the rolling credits on screen at the end of the show and a big hug

Fund €50+

The above and a kiss, your name in the St Pat’s for All Parade programme in New York and a St Pat’s For All t-shirt

Fund €75+

Your name in the programme, a ticket to the show and a one on one bodhran lesson, in person or two lessons on skype

49 Available

Fund €250+

The above, and a spank, a St Pat’s for All hoodie or t-shirt, a photo op with the performer in costume. 2 tickets to opening night and a glass of champagne with the cast. (For US supporters, 2 tickets to the St Pat’s For All concert at the Irish Arts Center, New York, Feb 27, 2015)

10 Available

Fund €350+

A drumming workshop with Brian anywhere in Ireland for you and 25 of your closest friends (drums supplied). Your name in the programme

Fund €700+

I will perform any one of my three one man shows in a venue of your choice, including, your home, anywhere in Ireland or New York (I'll be in NY, February 21- March 10, 2015)

activity

Don't panic!

Update posted on Wednesday 23rd July '14 @ 03:07:25

A huge thank you to the 23 people who took the time to put your money where your mouth is. I won't be taking you up on your kind offer this time out. Between the Big Bang Festival and an away gig both landing in the two weeks of this campaign there was no chance for me to work it soooo.... There's going to be a fundraising gig in August instead, which I'm very much hoping you will be able to support. Details will be posted. Many many thanks indeed. The show must go on!! Beir bua, Brian